“Men are apt to mistake the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument. The heated mind resents the chill touch and relentless scrutiny of logic.”
William E. Gladstone
Has “being right” ever been more important to you than “doing right?” Whenever I find myself overly passionate about a particular topic or position I ask myself these three questions.
- What information would need to change in order for my opinion or position to change?
- If I am wrong, will any of my behaviors make that harder to accept than is necessary?
- Have I sought counsel or perspective from a person that I trust?
It always amazes me how quickly my “passion” for something might be cooled when I take the time to step back and ask myself these questions.